Srinagar, 5 August (H.S.): Stating that the Omar-led Government is not listening to them and is failing to address their issues, the J&K Handicapped Association (JKHA) today staged a protest, demanding better pensions and implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Scores of members of the association assembled at the Press Enclave and were seen raising slogans in favour of their demands and holding placards.

They accused the elected Government of acting as “deaf and dumb,” not addressing their long-pending demands or paving the way for them to live a dignified life, which, they said, is currently full of hardships.

Abdul Rashid Bhat, State President of the JKHA, said that they have again been compelled to take to the streets to press for their demands, which, he said, have remained unaddressed for a long time.

“Disability Act, 2016 has been passed by the Centre, but, so far, it has not been implemented in J&K. The educated among us are without jobs and are facing hardships every day,” he said.

He said that while others have benefited from various Government schemes, persons with disabilities have been left out.

Bhat also said that they were promised an increase in pension to Rs 3,000, but, he said, nothing has been done in that regard. “We were promised something else, but we only got an increase of Rs 350.”

He said that BPL and AAY households have been given free ration, and free bus service has been extended to women.

“But nothing for those with disabilities; there are other schemes that have been rolled out, but where do we go?”

The protestors demanded immediate resolution of their issues, stating that despite repeatedly raising their concerns, nothing concrete has been done.

“It was only after protests that we got an increase of Rs 350 in pensions. We have even met the ministers, but they only gave us assurances, and nothing was done on ground,” they said, adding that they do not want to run from pillar to post-they just want to live a good life.

Tariq Ahmad, another protestor, said that the Government says a lot, but, he said, nothing has changed on the ground.

“What has been promised must be given to us. We are 10 lakh in number. Pension must be increased, special recruitment must be held for us; we should be given livelihood,” he said.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar